HM can exclusively reveal Club Med is set to close its resort on Lindeman Island at the end of January 2012 until a buyer is found to whom it can sell the property in the Whitsunday Islands.
In line with Club Med’s international strategy to move upmarket and driven by the changing expectations of its guests since 2005, the Company has surged upscale to reach out and retain their valued clientele and to attract new clientele.
Club Med has made the decision to move on from Lindeman Island, but will continue to actively search for a new Australian resort location that will mirror the new global standards.
The aim is for Club Med globally to have over 65% of their resorts worldwide in the upscale 4- to 5-Trident category.
No forward bookings have been taken by Club Med after the proposed closure date of Jan 31 2012, so no guests will be inconvenienced.
Club Med’s number one priority will be assisting their employees in every way possible for future employment by assisting staff to find employment on neighbouring Whitsunday islands.
According to the company, this plan recognises that their island expertise is invaluable.
All GOs (Club Med’s international staff members) will be relocated to other resorts around the world, as per the normal Club Med six monthly rotational operations.
“It was an extremely difficult decision for Club Med to make, as the resort is a firm favourite with our Australian and New Zealand guests,” Club Med Australia and New Zealand General Manager Quentin Briard.
“But our on-going research shows that more and more, our guests want our new premium all-inclusive product, and Lindeman’s 3-Trident status (the only one in Asia Pacific) was not in that category. So in order to meet our customer’s expectations, we have to now seek a new resort in Australia.
“Club Med would like to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to the loyalty and continuous support from Australian and New Zealand customers and will continue to deliver best class holiday experience,” he said.